News

Feb 09, 2018
Hubilo, a company that provides eponymous event software that enables organizers to create, promote, engage and analyze their events and event attendees, has launched a new event networking platform meant to optimize the way people connect and interact at events. Hubilo is India’s first all-in-one event management software provider and since its inception in 2014 has powered prominent events including the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2017 and The Global Entrepreneurship Summit 2017. The new community platform, released in January, can be easily integrated with any event website or app. It… more
Feb 08, 2018
Viacom, owner of MTV, VH-1, Nickelodeon and BET, to name a few, has acquired VidCon, host of the world’s largest multi-day conference for the global online community. The move will accelerate its participation and investment in next-generation platforms and expand its focus on live events, according to Viacom officials. VidCon will remain a stand-alone entity and retain its senior leadership team. “VidCon has become the foremost gathering place for the passionate online video community, and the access to talent, experts and education that VidCon provides for attendees is unparalleled,”… more
Feb 08, 2018
Washington D.C.’s largest consumer culinary show, MetroCooking DC, concluded its 12th edition with a positive boost in attendance and size. Held Dec. 9-10 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, the popular gourmand shopping event saw an attendance uptick of more than 12 percent, compared with the year before, with more than 10,000 foodies shopping, sipping and sampling from an abundance of specialty food companies, local restaurants, breweries and wineries. The annual event also expanded its exhibitor footprint, with 218 specialty food and home entertaining exhibitors showcasing… more
Feb 07, 2018
U.K.-based Tarsus Group has launched an exclusive buyer-seller platform, Tarsus Direct, which will include an in-person summit series, white papers and thought leadership within specific communities. The first event in Tarsus Direct’s Industry Specific Direct Connections Summit Series will focus on healthcare security with the debut of the Healthcare Security Summit Oct. 24-25 in Boston, Mass. "Our market research indicated a strong need for original research and education in healthcare security," said David Beck, Group Publisher at Tarsus Direct, and former publisher of the… more
Feb 07, 2018
A founding group of event technology companies has joined Fuzion, Freeman’s open product ecosystem designed to make technology more accessible for event organizers. Introduced last fall, the new platform aims to help solve industry-wide integration challenges between digital solutions by connecting data across all points of the event lifecycle, thus creating a more seamless experience for organizers and attendees. “In putting on a successful event, organizers may find themselves working with many different technology companies,” explained Richard Maranville, executive vice president and… more
Feb 06, 2018
Hurricane Harvey may cause 2017 to go down in history as a tumultuous year for the City of Houston, but that didn’t stop the city from coming back strong while setting another record in convention sales. For the third straight year, an unprecedented number of room nights tied to future conventions were booked in 2017, according to Visit Houston officials, whose sales team locked down 429 conventions and meetings representing 802,852 room nights, up from 765,401 room nights in 2016. “Our city is experiencing the return on investments in our convention district,” said Dawn Ullrich, president… more
Feb 03, 2018
For the past 30 years, the 9th largest convention center in the United States hasn’t permitted outside contractors, until now. Cleveland, Ohio’s 2.2 million square foot I-X Center now will allow trade shows to utilize outside decorating providers specializing in exhibitor services and experience. Since 1985, the I-X Center exclusively has provided on-site services, which covered all facets of decorator services for trade shows and large corporate events. The new policy, effective immediately, provides new opportunities for the convention center and planners worldwide. “After conversations… more
Feb 02, 2018
Last year ended on a positive upswing that will follow into 2018, according to the 20th edition of UFI – The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry’s Global Barometer report. "Globally, the exhibition industry is growing at a healthy rate. Companies around the world are looking into expanding their activities within and beyond their present activities and geographic borders,” said Kai Hattendorf, UFI managing director/CEO. He added, “In parallel, new business models are under development, and many players in the industry expect them to deliver a relevant share of their company's… more
Feb 01, 2018
Event organizers now have access to another cutting-edge digital solution to help improve the event experience for their attendees. Allcal Events is an interactive calendar and event management platform that gives organizers the ability to build their own mobile event apps, branded online schedules and ticketing services, as well as attain valuable engagement data. Launched in 2014 as a social calendar solution for personal use that seamlessly syncs events in real time, Allcal kicked off Allcal Events in 2016 after being approached by major conventions about custom-branded solutions that… more
Feb 01, 2018
Two major trade show producers plan to launch a slew of new business-to-business and consumer shows this year. Urban Expositions/Clarion Events is gearing up to unveil Healthy Food Expo, a new portfolio of trade shows and conferences serving the healthy food component of the restaurant and foodservice marketplace. The inaugural events are slated to launch in two locations this year: Aug. 18-21 at the Los Angeles Convention Center alongside the Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo and Coffee Fest, and Sept. 6-8 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando with the Florida… more
Partner Voices
Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact